LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Charles Portis, the author of the iconic True Grit novel that inspired two prominent film adaptations, has passed away due to Alzheimer's and dementia in Little Rock, according to Arkansas Business.
Portis was born in El Dorado in 1933, later beginning in a career in journalism until he started writing novels, including the hit western and his other popular novel Norwood.
The first film adaptation hit the silver screen in 1969, awarding John Wayne his first and only Oscar in his career.
Wayne appeared in another film as Rooster Cogburn alongside Katherine Hepburn.
The second film, starring Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon, saw widespread success with awards in best acting and adaptation categories internationally.
Norwood was also adapted into a film, which starred fellow Arkansan Glen Campbell.
Charles Portis was 86.